Benchmade 9051 AFO II Automatic Knife Review

Benchmade 9051 SBK — AFO II automatic knife

The Benchmade 9051 auto knife series has spent the past few years proving why it is one of the best auto knives on the market. Built tough from top quality materials, the 9051 has not only withstood the test of time–it has dominated the test. Built with a classic drop point style blade (also availabe in tanto–product series 9052) the knife blade is 154CM stainless steel. 154CM is an American made premium grade stainless steel developed for heavy industrial applications. It offers a quality blend of high corrosion resistance, great edge quality and good toughness. This is the kind of steel you want when you work in remote and tough conditions. The combination of carbon, chromium, and molybdenum is such that a 154CM blade will take just as good of an edge as an S30V blade. It won’t hold the edge as long–but the trade off is that it is much easier to sharpen. And when you are operating in the real world, you want to be able to get an edge on your blade when the need arises. Like most Benchmade models, the blade is available with a black or satin finish and with a plain or combo edge.

The next thing I love about the 9051 series is the handle. Constructed of black anodized, machined 6061 T-6 aluminum, the knife handle is basically two beefy scales separated by an open backspacer. The backspacer does double duty as a glass breaker. The handle has an easy palm swell that dives into an aggressive finger groove. The finger groove transitions into a flared out front quillon that prevents your finger from sliding up onto the blade when making thrusting cuts. The spine of the handle also has a small quillon that performs the same function for your thumb. Both quillons sport heavy, deep jimping to add traction. The beefy handle provides a secure, solid grip whether you are making delicate or heavy cuts.

The 9051 has a push button trigger that is slightly inset in the handle. A slide safety on the spine adds a layer of blade security. Four position pocket clip and a lanyard hole complete the package.

This beefy, heavy duty combat auto knife is built with the operator in mind. Easy to keep clean because of its open construction. The blade will cut through anything you throw at it and is easy to sharpen when the need arises. A safe, secure hold on the knife comes from a well thought out design. The Benchmade 9051 is the kind of combat auto knife you want on your side.